Police set to look at racism allegation

23 September 2009 04:30

Police are set to continue their inquiries into an allegation that Blackpool striker Jason Euell was racially abused during the Carling Cup defeat by Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
Euell was interviewed by officers following the third round match after a home supporter was ejected by stewards and then detained. Stoke went on to record a 4-3 victory and while Blackpool boss Ian Holloway was proud of his team he was incensed at the incident. Euell was sitting in the dug-out at the time and could hardly disguise his anger.
"There was one horrible moment when a racist remark was made to Jason by one supporter," Holloway said. "I hope the fellow is banned for life. It is disgusting. The stewards believed what Jason said and got him out. I have to thank them for that."
Holloway added: "We do not want anything like that. Jason is a footballer - it should not matter the colour of his skin.
"People around the fellow should have said they were not putting up with what was said. It is wrong. I saw Jason's reaction and tried to calm him down. I thought these days were gone but maybe I am being naive."
Holloway was full of praise for his team, who were two goals up in the first 47 minutes though David Vaughan and Billy Clarke. However, Stoke stormed back with strikes from Danny Higginbotham and substitutes Matthew Etherington and Ricardo Fuller.
Ben Burgess then hauled Blackpool level only for Andy Griffin to get the winner in stoppage time.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: "We kept going and created loads of chances in the last 25 minutes.
"While the substitutes played a part the others who played a full 90 minutes, like Andy Griffin were smashing.
"I am very pleased for Andy, although Blackpool deserve credit as they played a lot of good football."